You Need to Know How to Show the Freedom You Have in Christ

I’m guessing at one time or another you’ve heard someone say…

“There’s nothing wrong with it, so I have the freedom to do what I want!”

And no, I’m not talking about your kids. I’m talking about adults in the church.

In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul invited his reads to take a closer look at the freedom we have in Christ.

Paul was answering a specific question that for us today seems kind of strange . . . Is it right to eat food that has been sacrificed to idols?

Animals were being sacrificed at pagan temples and the meat was taken to the local markets and sold. The problem . . . Corinthian Christians were sharply divided on whether or not a believer should eat something that had been sacrificed to a pagan god. Paul’s answer must have surprised and confused them at a first. He said there is only one God and so eating meat sacrificed to nonexistent gods is fine.

But he knew that some believers, at one time, sacrificed those idols themselves and might have felt convicted that eating this meat was a sin. So he added…

But that doesn’t mean we should!

But wait! Don’t we have freedom in Christ? If it’s not a sin isn’t it okay to do?

I like the way The Message shares Paul’s explanation:

Fortunately, God doesn’t grade us on our diet. We’re neither commended when we clean our plate nor reprimanded when we just can’t stomach it. But God does care when you use your freedom carelessly in a way that leads a fellow believer still vulnerable to those old associations to be thrown off track.
1 Corinthians 8:8–9 (MSG)

So, why does this conversation matter?

Because love is what matters! If our doing something that is neither right nor wrong troubles someone else, our love for Christ and others should move us to give up our freedom so we don’t offend or hurt another member of the Lord’s family.

Or as Paul sums it up:

While knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church.
1 Corinthians 8:1b

As people who love the Lord, we will willingly give up the freedom we have in Christ to share His love.

A Prayer Asking God to Help Me Put Love First
as I Live Out My Freedom in Christ

Father, forgive us . . . we are selfish. I am selfish. Too often, I only think about whether or not something is “right or wrong.” It’s too easy for me to view life from my own perspective when You ask me to look at things with a heart of love. You ask me to put my love for You and others first.

We live in a world that seems to applaud selfishness and it’s hurting us. Selfishness results in less joy and happiness. You created us for relationships. You created us to love and be loved. Please forgive us and help us.

You showed Your great love for us by sacrificing Your only Son. We have freedom in Christ because You love us. You are love and when You created us in Your image . . . You made us to love.

Jesus set His freedom aside to show us Your love—to show us His love. Please help me put love first. Please help me live to show everyone I meet Your love . . . even if it means I have to set aside my freedom for a moment. I want to love like Jesus. Please grant me grace and help me to love. Amen.

The truth is, the freedom you and I have in Christ isn’t the freedom to do whatever we want . . . it is the freedom to do whatever God wants. And that is true freedom!

Selfishness sounds like freedom but it is a bondage that never satisfies and makes us miserable. With God’s help, we can put other people’s feelings ahead of our own. We’re not called to excuse or deny sin but when it comes to things like drinking alcohol, playing the lottery, or eating certain foods we are free to practice our own convictions with love. It also means that we will show love by not offending someone who believes something is a sin.

On today’s note write:

The best way to show freedom in Christ is to put love first.

May you celebrate the freedom you have in Christ today with love.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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Why You Really Want to Be Childlike and Free

1 / 18 / 211 / 18 / 21

Jesus told His followers to be childlike and to come to Him with their burdens. It's hard to be that trusting and humble but with God's help, it is possible. #BibleStudy #ChildlikeFaith #CometoJesus #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG #HisGraceGirls

I ask God faithfully to make me “childlike.” Unfortunately, too often I give in to childish rather than childlike.

Why do I ask to be childlike? Because Jesus said:

“O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike.”
Matthew 11:25

He also said:

“I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Matthew 18:3

What did He mean? What is the difference between being childlike and my childishness?

♥ Being childish is being foolish and immature.
♥ Being childlike is being trusting, humble, and vulnerable.

The Life Application Bible Notes say:

Those who consider themselves “wise and clever” are prideful and arrogant about their own knowledge but the childlike are humbly open to receive the truth of God’s Word.

I want to be childlike. I want to SEEK God’s truth and trust His promises.

And the good news is that when you and I struggle with childishness—when we fall short of humility and fail to seek . . . Jesus also said:

Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:28–29

Jesus doesn’t reject us when we come to Him!

When you and I are weighed down by guilt and shame, fear and anxiety, pain and problems, when we need healing, a fresh start, or freedom . . . He says “come.” And He promises that when we do, He will give us rest by taking our heavy burdens and replacing them with forgiveness, healing, peace . . . love!

Jesus never promised this life would be easy or comfortable but He did promise to help us and give us everything we need to carry on and live free in this moment.

That’s a lot to thank Him for today, isn’t it?

Why You Really Want to Be Childlike and Free

Father, thank you for wanting me to know Your truth. Thank you for Jesus and for showing us Your love and desire to forgive all of creation through Him. Please forgive me for the times I think of myself as wise and clever . . . the times I am childish not childlike.

By the power of Your Spirit, please make me willing to be trusting, humble, and vulnerable. By Your grace, please help me give my burdens to Jesus trusting His power to forgive me and Your willingness to give me everything I need to live free today. I want to be childlike, Father. Take my hand and lead me, I give myself to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

It’s hard to surrender control, isn’t it?

I know I want what I want and I’m not very good at waiting. It’s so easy to have that selfish desire to think of myself as wise and clever.

But God wants better for me and He wants better for you, too. He wants us to live with childlike faith and freedom. And by His grace and with His help, we can have everything we need to do just that when we take it all to Jesus.

On today’s post-it note write:

Today with God’s help, I will be childlike.

Click here to read all of Matthew 11.

God bless you today as you carry your burdens to Jesus with childlike faith!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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When You Need to Pray for Freedom and Happiness

2 / 7 / 202 / 6 / 20

As children, we dream of the freedom we will enjoy as adults but as adults, demands and responsibilities can make freedom and happiness feel very elusive. So, I'm praying and asking God for His help. #WWGGG #Prayer #Freedom #Happiness #CountingMyBlessings #BibleStudy

Do you remember being a child and longing for the freedom you believed you’d finally have once you became an adult?

Then you grew up and discovered that you enjoyed way more freedom as a child than you have now. There are more demands on your time, more expectations, more work … more everything.

Freedom seems like a wishful dream and happiness, well there are days when our exhaustion and lack of freedom make happiness feel elusive as well.

But the Bible says…

If the Son makes you free, then you are unquestionably free.
John 8:36

So, what is the complete freedom you and I can have through faith in Jesus?

It is:

Freedom from the guilt and shame of sin. Romans 8:23–24
Freedom from slavery to sin. Romans 6:16
Freedom from the lies we tell ourselves. 1 John 1:8–9
Freedom from trying to earn God’s favor and grace. Romans 11:6
Freedom from the power of Satan. James 4:7
Freedom to choose our own path. Galatians 5:13
Freedom to follow Jesus. Colossians 2:6–7
Freedom that lasts forever. 1 John 5:13

The freedom that Jesus gives us is freedom from the penalty and guilt and shame of sin. It’s not freedom from responsibility but…

By God’s grace, it is the freedom to live fully and serve joyfully. It is the freedom we have with God’s help to know what to do in order to enjoy life with love, joy, peace, patience, etc…

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness, and self-control.
Galatians 5:22–23

And as far as I’m concerned, if I can face my responsibilities with the Spirit’s help because of the freedom I have in Christ Jesus; well, that sounds like happiness to me.

So, I’m praying and asking God to assure me once again that with His help, I have the freedom that gives happiness. I’m asking the Lord to help me stop trying to SEEK stuff and please people but to surrender my all to Him that I might fully embrace the freedom and joy of His promises today and every day.

I’d love for you to join me.

Prayers for Freedom and Happiness

Jesus said to the people who believed in Him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31–32

Lord, please help me know and trust Your truth that leads to freedom. My heart’s desire is to be your faithful and obedient disciple. The world tries to tell me that following Your commands is restrictive … enslaving me to a set of rules. The truth, Your truth, tells me that sin, guilt, and shame are the things that hold my heart and mind in bondage.

Help me remember that I live under Your love and that frees me to love You and others and to live with strength, courage, joy, and peace. Yes, Lord, Your grace is sufficient. By Your grace, help me surrender each day and live faithful to Your teachings for Your glory. Amen.

In my distress I prayed to the Lord,
and the Lord answered me and set me free.
The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear.
What can mere people do to me?
Psalm 118:5–6

Father, what an amazing blessing to be able to bring the burden of my failures and brokenness to You in repentance … trusting Your promise to forgive me. Your Word proclaims “through Jesus, there is forgiveness of sins.” (Acts 13:38) Through Jesus, my fear is gone and my hope for the future is secure. Jesus alone is the freedom I need. He is the freedom that gives me happiness. Thank you, Father.

Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.
Romans 6:14

Father, by the power of Your Spirit, You give me the strength I need to set safe boundaries and fight temptation. You give me all I need to follow You because I want to not because I have to. You have given me free will, the ability to obey or reject Your Word … because You want me to receive Your grace, mercy, and love with gratitude and joy.

And I do. I love You, Lord! I praise and worship You.

For the blessing of living under Your grace frees me to love You and others … and Father, a life full of love is a life full of happiness. Thank you!

God sent Him [Jesus] to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that He could adopt us as His very own children.
Galatians 4:5

Lord Jesus, how can I begin to thank you for suffering my punishment for me. You accomplished what I cannot … so that I might be forgiven, redeemed, and rescued. You made it possible for me to be called the Father’s very own child.

A child who can approach the Father at any time, who can rest secure in the Father’s love, trust His care and provision, live with the strength and courage He gives, and enjoy the peace that passes understanding and hope that will not disappoint. Thank you, Lord Jesus, in and through You … I have everything I need.

You thrill me, Lord, with all You have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done.
Psalm 92:4

Yes, Lord, You thrill me! You have set me free. You give me everything I need each day. Because of all that You have done for me, I am called precious, beloved, cherished, holy, and victorious. I am forgiven. I am loved. I am free! And that’s all I need to be happy!

Thank you for the gifts of freedom and happiness. Your love overwhelms me. Please help me, live with gratitude in ways that show the world the blessings of knowing and loving You. By Your grace and for Your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Friend, freedom and happiness are possible.

The freedom you and I have in Christ makes us free to live our lives the way God intended.

We are free to live under His grace, mercy, and love … knowing we are forgiven and claimed as His very own children. We can trust that we really do have everything we need to live with courage and strength in victory one day at a time.

I don’t know about you, but I believe if all of me could believe all of that 100% of the time … I would enjoy the happiness I want.

So, that is my prayer and I believe that by God’s grace, His truth will become more and more true in my life as I rest in His Word and trust His love.

I’m praying that for you, too!

Finally, a quote from C. S. Lewis says it better than I can…

If a thing is free to be good it is also free to be bad. And free will is what has made evil possible. Why, then, did God give them free will? Because free will, though it makes evil possible, is also the only thing that makes possible any love or goodness or joy worth having. ~ C. S. Lewis

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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Prayers that will Help You Thank God for the Gift of Freedom

11 / 17 / 177 / 29 / 20

Do you ever feel like you’re dragging around a weight?

That’s how I started this week. My body ached and my thoughts were a swamp of past and present struggles.

It was time to go to war!

I don’t often pray out loud, but on this day I needed to hear the cries of my heart and as I lifted my pleas the Spirit whispered the truth that I had once again picked up the chain of anger and unforgiveness.

No wonder I felt burdened – those are heavy restraints to carry around.

Don’t you just hate it when the enemy brings up the past trying to defeat your present? Yeah, me too!

So, I spoke my battle cries … telling that demon to leave me alone because I am free in Christ! Then I surrendered my anger, praised God for forgiving me although I don’t deserve it, and cried out my willingness to forgive those who had hurt me.

And then, I repeated the words again and again until they’d worked there way into every cell from the top of my head to the tip of my toes…

Jesus set me free. I am truly free!

My chains are gone! (Don’t you love that arrangement of Amazing Grace?)

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind, but now I see
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
My chains are gone
I’ve been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace
~ Chris Tomlin, Louie Giglio, Stan Walker, David Pritchard-Blunt

Freedom in Christ – Our greatest reason for thanksgiving!

Please join me as I pray:

Prayers Thanking God for the Gift of Freedom

John 8:36

So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.

Father, through Jesus, I am set free from the eternal consequences of my sin. I am forgiven. Because of Jesus, I am free to forgive others. I am truly forever and always free to celebrate Your love with joy. Thank you! Amen.

Ephesians 1:7

He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins.

Father, it cost the life of Your Son. I can’t imagine. You are One—equal and eternal. You willingly lived in this sin-filled world, suffered and died because of love. Life-giving self-sacrifice that gives me freedom. Thanks and praise in Jesus’ name. Amen.

John 8:31–32

Jesus said to the people who believed in Him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Father, thank you for Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life. What an amazing gift You gave through Your Word made flesh. Thank you for inspiring writers to record Jesus’ life and teachings so Your children generations later might know the truth that gives freedom. Freedom to love and forgive because You love and forgive us. I thank and praise You, Lord of all. Amen.

2 Corinthians 3:17

For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Oh, Father. Thank you for giving Your Spirit. I would be so lost and confused without the whispers and promptings of Your Spirit. Forgive me for foolishly choosing to grab up my chains and drag them around when You have given everything that I might be free. What grace that Your Spirit calls me back to freedom gently lifting my chains as He releases me to live with faith, hope, and love. Amen.

Psalm 103:11–13

For His unfailing love toward those who fear Him
    is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
He has removed our sins as far from us
    as the east is from the west.
The Lord is like a father to His children,
    tender and compassionate to those who fear Him.

Father, Your unfailing love is beyond comprehension. Your sin-removing grace overwhelms me. Perfect Father, You are tender and kind. Thank you! Your blessings cover my life and meet my every need. I surrender my all to You. I love You. I praise You. In the freedom giving power of the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

My friends, you and I have so many reasons to celebrate with thanksgiving.

We are free in Jesus! Free indeed!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

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Important Truth from The Faith Project Adventure

6 / 29 / 167 / 7 / 16

When I began The Faith Project I had no idea where the adventure would lead me. In the first post of the year, I shared two basic commandments for the year:

To grow in faith and love for God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; with a desire to be completely devoted to Him in heart, soul, mind, and strength.
To grow in the living out of my faith-filled love for God by loving others.

We’re halfway… Seriously, can you believe it?!

So far, you’ve joined me as I explored:

1. Freedom – to know that through Jesus I’m completely forgiven.

Freedom, real freedom in Christ Jesus, is an amazing gift from God . . . one to wholeheartedly embrace 24/7.

Living in that freedom means rejecting the enemy when he challenges me with old guilts, celebrating God’s grace and mercy, and sharing it by loving and forgiving others the way I’ve been loved and forgiven.

I am learning to resist the enemy when he challenges me with the past and I’m intentionally celebrating the blessing of the freedom I enjoy through Jesus.

We have freedom now, because Christ made us free. So stand strong. Do not change and go back into the slavery of the law. Galatians 5:1

2. Love – to reach out through acts of service and share God’s love with others.

Learning about God’s love is easy. Learning to love like Jesus . . . that’s harder. Digging into loving difficult people, strangers, or the people who confront me, that’s hardest.

I’m so thankful for God’s faithful forgiveness when I fail to love well and for the blessing of opportunities to try again tomorrow. I want to love better even when it’s hard.

Love is not a warm fuzzy feeling, but participation in God’s activity on earth.

“Love God and He will enable you to love others even when they disappoint you.” ~Francine Rivers

3. Wisdom – to dig deep into God’s Word and commit more of it to memory.

God wants you and me to be faithful and wise, loving and obedient. He wants us to trust and obey, to seek truth and to be still in His presence. Because He knows those are the things that will make us happy. Without them, well . . . it’s harder. No. Scratch that. It’s almost impossible.

I will continue to spend time with the Lord and ask Him for wisdom. I want to get better at memorizing His Word . . . and will continue focusing on that in the weeks ahead.

Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly. Proverbs 3:18

4. Prayer – to spend more time with God in intentional conversation.

Three things I learned digging deep into prayer:

#1 JUST PRAY! The more I have made prayer my focus, not reading about it or talking about it but actually doing it . . . the more I’ve looked forward to spending time in prayer.
#2 Be yourself! God hears every prayer. He knows your heart and mine. He loves us and wants to spend personal time with us.
#3 Trust Him! Pray in His will. Pray for His will to be done. You and I can trust Him. He sees the beginning from the end. He wants and knows how to accomplish what is best in out lives.

I don’t think I will ever feel like I spend enough time in prayer. That “pray without ceasing” thing. I want that!

“Prayer is not so much an act as it is an attitude — an attitude of dependency, dependency upon God.” ~Arthur Pink

5. Humility – to focus on who God is, His holiness and His character and why I need Him.

I think humility has been my favorite so far. I had a very limited view of what it means to live out humility before that month of study. I’m still working to apply all I’ve learned.

You can learn more about that here… 10 of the Most Important Things I Learned and You Need to Know about Humility.

The #1 thing I learned about humility…
Humble people don’t think they’re humble.

6. Patience – to learn more and better understand the act of waiting on God.

This month has been the hardest so far. I shouldn’t be surprised. Patience is hard and I think I’ve had mine challenged in every possible way. Whew! I’ll admit, I’m glad this month is over.

I will never practice perfect patience and living in this sinful world needs patience. So, with God’s help I’ll take it one day at a time and ask God to strengthen me and give me all I need to follow where He leads me and wait when He asks. Because…

Living outside of God’s will and timing is never a plan for long-term peace and joy.

6 Months Into the Faith Project

This has been more of an adventure than I imagined.

As I hoped, my faith has grown. I’ve learned so much especially in the areas of freedom, wisdom, and humility.

I’ve learned I need more patience—NOW.

I’ve learned every aspect of my faith begins vertically and is then lived out horizontally.

My faith is growing. The living out of my faith . . . whew, is being challenged.

So, I think The Faith Project is exactly what I hoped it would be and I can’t wait to see what the next six months will bring. I hope you’ll stick with me as we dig deep into:

Stillness – to listen for His voice and know His will.
Goodness – to obey God’s daily will for my life.
Peace – to commit to completely trusting God’s will for me.
Worship – to focus on praise and worship – remembering it’s not about me.
Gratitude – to thank God for countless perfectly chosen blessings.
Joy – to take delight in Jesus – Emmanuel, God with us.

Meanwhile, I’ll take a stand with Rev. Charles Kingsley, and say…

“I do not want merely to possess a faith, I want a faith that possesses me.”

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Freedom – What’s Good and What Needs to be Better

1 / 29 / 167 / 7 / 16

The last post of the month – The Faith Project look at Freedom – What’s Good and What Needs to be Better.

Freedom from…

Sin, Death, and Satan’s Power
Your Past
Your Inner Pharisee
Fear

Freedom to…

Sin Boldly
To Worship in Spirit and Truth
Plan Your Messy Life
Be Who You’re Created to Be
LIVE

So, What’s Good?

After this month-long look at freedom, I am more confident of who I am in Christ. I am free.

You are too. You are free!

True, you’ve heard this ever since you first heard about Jesus, but do you really believe it? Really?

Have you completely rejected your inner Pharisee? Are you free from trying to please God to earn His favor? Are you filled with His peace? Are you able to reject the enemy’s lies? How about the fear He throws at you?

By God’s grace, I’m doing better. I am able to get up each morning and say, “My Father loves me.” His love never includes an if. He will not love us more – if. Nor will He love us less – if.

[Tweet “God’s love never includes an if. #thefaithproject #blessings #myfatherlovesme”]

That truth is helping me to completely let go of the past. That’s huge!

It’s also helping me worry less about what others are doing. My inner Pharisee shrinks when I pray with compassion and love. And my goal is to pray about everything.

As a side note – Rev and I finally watched War Room last week. Wow! If you haven’t seen it yet, please watch it as soon as possible. You’ll know why there are so many pins and posts on how to set up your war room.

If you need a spark to add passion to your prayers . . . this is it. Too many of us are praying weenie prayers.

I would say I was simply trusting God to do what’s best and that He knows my heart and my prayers whether I fall to my knees or not and cry them out to Him. And while that’s all true. I believe I’m missing out on so much when I fail to go to battle with my prayers.

Back to The Faith Project

Taking a closer look at worship has really blessed me. I’m going to church services praying that God will take my focus off my preferences asking Him to help me simply center my focus on who He is and why I’m there. I’m also trying to spend time every day intentionally worshipping Him simply for who He is. Wow! What a way to change my attitude!

What Needs to be Better?

I’m still planner challenged. That isn’t going to change in a week’s time. I appreciate all of your encouragement. Many of you told me to stick with it and not give up. Thank you! I’d love to know more of your favorite tips.

You’d think after six decades I’d be comfortable in my own skin. Not so much. So . . . I’m still asking God to give me His peace and use me as He wants. Old habits of second guessing and dissatisfaction are hard to give up; so, that’s a prayer I’m taking to my war room.

My takeaway for the month – Freedom, real freedom, in Christ Jesus is an amazing gift from God . . . one to wholeheartedly embrace 24/7.

If you missed any of the conversations on freedom
you can find the links at the top of this post.

Please take a minute or two to tell me how you’re doing.
How are you embracing God’s grace?
How is He giving you freedom?
Where are you digging deep after Him?
What is your biggest challenge?

Finally, I have something to ask you. Will you please join me in crying out to God for our nation?

I’ve been thinking about Old Testament “politics” lately. The Children of Israel were afraid of the nations around them so they begged God to give them a king. He told them they didn’t need a king because they had Him. But they whined, complained, and pleaded; so, He gave them what they wanted.

And it didn’t turn out well for them!

Will you join me in praying that God will give us the leaders He knows will best lead our nation!

May we start a prayer revival.

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place. 2 Chronicles 7:14–15

And will you please spread the word and ask people to join in praying this simple prayer:

Now it’s time for…

Faith ‘n Friends Blog Hop

We’re so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

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Feature Post

by Jed Jurchenko

@ Coffee Shop Conversations

What Every Blogger Needs to Know

Thank you, Jed, for joining FnF Blog Hop!

No More Rules Blog Hop

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.

We would appreciate it if you would
Grab the Button or link back to the hosts.

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What’s Getting in the Way of Your Freedom?

1 / 27 / 162 / 6 / 20

Bring Good News to the poor.
Proclaim that captives will be released,
The blind will see, and the oppressed will be set free.

Those words may sound familiar. They come from Sunday’s Bible readings found in Luke 4 and I’m guessing the subject preached on from many pulpits.

I don’t often share my thoughts on Sunday’s sermon here at CMB, but this week’s message seemed like the perfect way to bring this month on freedom to a close. (Friday will be another personal update post.)

My childhood pastor preached loooong sermons. When asked about them he used to say he preached until he saw the people hanging their heads … then he knew they’d gotten it. He knew they were taking the message personally and were no longer thinking “you tell them, pastor.”

He preached the Law before he shared the Gospel.

My dad often says that we don’t hear the Law much anymore. Pastors don’t want to offend. They want to fill the seats so they tell people what they want to hear. And while that may be true in some places, our pastor has come into the new year with a boldness that is blessing us. One I want to tell you about…

He started the year talking about Truth – that there is light and there is darkness. There is a battle going on in the spiritual realm every day, and that battle leaves its mark on you and me. Each week in the series he has touched on life specifics where we as believers can be changed and maybe even influence change in our families and communities.

Back to Luke 4 –

Jesus was in His hometown of Nazareth. He’d been invited to read aloud from Isaiah.

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me,
    for the Lord has anointed me
    to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted
    and to proclaim that captives will be released
    and prisoners will be freed.
He has sent me to tell those who mourn
    that the time of the Lord’s favor has come. Isaiah 61:1–2

Then Jesus . . . rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. Then He began to speak to them. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!” Luke 4:20–21

Jesus came to give us freedom. Good news to the poor. Comfort to the brokenhearted. Freedom to captives and prisoners.

You and I have everything we need to live completely free.

If the Son sets you free, you are truly free. John 8:36

But…

We don’t really live “truly free.”

(This is where Sunday’s message comes in.)

When you and I fill our lives with anything other than God’s best for us found in a relationship with Jesus we’ve sacrificed some of our true freedom in Christ. And there are so many things trying to convince us they’re viable substitutes.

Our pastor started with a list of things like marijuana, alcohol, Oxycontin, steak, ice cream, and pickles. Not to discuss or debate the individual items as right or wrong, legal or illegal, but to start us thinking. He added entertainment. And what about social media?

Anything we consistently use to numb the pain and fill the emptiness.

What’s getting in the way of your freedom?

I can’t imagine anyone there not squirming a little. We all have our “thing.” Our substitute void filler. Things in the space that Jesus alone could be filling.

And friend we’re missing out. We’re missing the fullness of hope and joy, peace and satisfaction Jesus has for us right here right now.

I began The Faith Project with freedom. Freedom from sin, my past, self-righteous judgment, and fear. Freedom to sin boldly, worship in spirit and truth, plan my day with God’s help and to be who I’m created to be.

Today, as I think about the biggest thing I want to take from this first month of the year, it’s that in Jesus I have the freedom to LIVE.

Our pastor said, “Don’t undermine what God has already undone.”

Paul said it this way in Galatians 5:1, So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.

Make sure that you stay free!

We’ve been delivered. We’ve been given freedom.

Still, in Galatians 5, Paul goes on to say we have been given the Spirit of Christ who wants to fill the void of our lives with, “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness, and self-control.” v. 22–23

Everything else just gets in the way of, “Jesus being our all in all.”

So, I’m doing an assessment this week. I’m taking a close look at anything I might be allowing into my Jesus space. I’m looking at the time I spend on entertainment and social media. My choices in food and beverages. My shopping habits. And anything else that might be getting in the way of true freedom. Not from a right or wrong trying to earn God’s favor by trying to do it right, but from the realization that I could be missing out God’s best all because of bad habits.

I don’t want to miss the blessings of love, joy, peace or anything else God wants for me because I’ve settled for the world’s less.

Are you with me? Are you ready to LIVE? Really LIVE. FREE!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

Freedom Update – The Good and Not So Good

1 / 15 / 167 / 29 / 20

Two weeks into The Faith Project and it’s time for the first update.

So, how’s it going? Well, some good and some not so good.

The Good

Trusting that my freedom is complete because of Jesus is going great. I believe Jesus has made me:

1. Free from the guilt and shame of sin.
2. Free from slavery to sin.
3. Free from the lies we tell ourselves

He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins. Ephesians 1:7

I am following through . . . confessing and repenting each day for two reasons . . . to remember that God’s gifts of grace and forgiveness are daily and ongoing and to help me stay mindful of the things I need, with God’s help, to change.

The Not So Good

Letting go of the past is hard for me.

I know the truth – If Jesus has set me free, I am free truly free. John 8:36

But I do guilt really well. REALLY WELL. I can feel guilty about things that aren’t my fault. Things other people have done. I can still feel guilty over things that happened years ago. Things I know God has forgiven. Things I trust people have forgiven.

But, there’s a problem…

I’m susceptible to the enemy’s lies. When he whispers shame or points his gnarly finger I’m quick to agree with him.

You too?

Then join me. It’s time to hold on to God’s promises of who we are and quote them to Satan each time he throws our pasts at us.

Promises like…

Here are a few more promises to help:

For His unfailing love toward those who fear Him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. Psalm 10:11–12

Where is the god who can compare with You—wiping the slate clean of guilt,
Turning a blind eye, a deaf ear, to the past sins of your purged and precious people?
You don’t nurse your anger and don’t stay angry long, for mercy is your specialty. That’s what You love most.
And compassion is on its way to us.
You’ll stamp out our wrongdoing.
You’ll sink our sins to the bottom of the ocean. Micah 7:19

“I—yes, I alone—will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.” Isaiah 43:25

If God promises to forget our sins, to never think of them again . . . I think we should too.

The Better

Not good, but better is getting free of my inner Pharisee.

Pride shouts Pharisee. Not pride that feels good about an accomplishment or a job well done. But pride that thinks I’m better than. Pride that says, “I’m glad I’m not as bad as everyone else.” Paraphrase of Luke 18:11

I hate that kind of pride in me because it doesn’t love well. Pride points fingers and fails to offer compassion and help. That’s not who I want to be.

So, I’ll keep taking the Are you a Pharisee Heart Check. I’ll keep asking for the forgiveness I know I need. And I’ll pray that for the Holy Spirit’s help to look at everyone through my Father’s eyes.

More Good

When I introduced The Faith Project I mentioned I was a little nervous about sharing my successes and failures publicly. What I didn’t mention was my nervousness about potential attacks from Satan as I worked to change and grow in faith.

Oh, how he hates that. So of course, I’d get tested right away in an area of weakness . . . fear.

In the past month, I’ve had a couple of health issues. Things that had the potential to send me into a fear freefall.

I’ll be honest. I was nervous as I waited those days between doctors appointment and tests, but the good . . . I wasn’t in a panic. I wasn’t afraid.

Sure. I’d love to live many more years healthy and with minimal pain, but I trust God’s got me. I can count on His promises as I look back on His faithfulness. I can say, “Back off. God is with me. He’s got this.”

Thankfully, most of the news has been good. Praise God!

So…

My Freedom Update:

It’s a daily adventure and one I’ll have to keep applying well into the future.
My progress will be challenged and will include some steps backward.
I’m not on my own. God is with me. He’s with you too.
You, my encouragers are a huge help.

Speaking of you. Thank you! When I started this I wondered if it was something anyone would care about. When everyone was talking about their word for the year, I had my doubts.

But you’re awesome! Your comments and help to get the word out blesses my socks off.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

Thankful Thirty – Boundaries and the Gift of Freedom

11 / 7 / 157 / 7 / 16

Do you like boundaries? Some people push against them. Others consider them safe. And safe inside the boundaries is the joy of complete freedom.

I like to know the boundaries. What works. What doesn’t. Then I usually move the boundaries in just a bit for extra safety.

Why?

Because inside the boundaries I’m free to be me. I don’t have to worry about disasters or their consequences. I’m sure I sound terribly boring to you risk takers, but I’ve never liked living on the edge. I like the freedom found in the middle.

More importantly I love the freedom that comes from God’s grace, mercy, and love. Freedom given in and through Jesus. Through forgiveness. And in knowing God’s will inside His boundaries. There is safety, joy, and happiness found in that space. Blessings that will never fail and that can never be taken away.

God’s gift of freedom. Not given by nation or people. Not found in opinion or attitude. But freedom founded on the person of Jesus. On Truth.

That to me is the blessing of freedom.

Quotes

So we praise God for the glorious grace He has poured out on us who belong to His dear Son.He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins. Ephesians 1:6–7

Do you like boundaries? Some people push against them. Others consider them safe. And safe inside the boundaries is the joy of complete freedom.

“There are two freedoms – the false, where a man is free to do what he likes; the true, where he is free to do what he ought.” ~Charles Kingsley

“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32

“To serve God, to love God, to enjoy God, is the sweetest freedom in the world.” ~Thomas Watson

For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17

“The fear of man strangles us, because we can never please everybody; but the fear of the Lord frees us, because it challenges us to live and serve for an audience of One.” ~Paul Chappell

God sent Him (Jesus) to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that He could adopt us as His very own children. Galatians 4:5

“The paradox of faith is that when we conform our lives to Christ then we gain our true freedom. And its fruit is profound and lasting happiness.” ~Vincent Nichols

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13

Friends you and I have been given a wonderful gift. Freedom to choose. Freedom of thought. Freedom of action. How and what we do with it is up to us.

But…

We are not left alone to figure it out.

With the gift God gives us truth and direction. He gives us His Spirit who pours into us everything we need to live with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22–23) Everything we need to live in freedom, safely inside the boundaries.

Father, Thank you for the gift of freedom. Freedom to choose. Freedom through forgiveness. Freedom in Jesus! Your grace truly is amazing. Forgive me for misusing Your gift and help me to use it well going forward. Help me to use it to love and serve You well. In and through my Lord and Savior, Jesus. Amen.

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